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I have contacted MetalMaster asking about the handles. Is there a best way to contact him and also prices? I don't want to be rude but the prices vary from his site to eBay. I'm sure this is to cover the costs of eBay sellers fees. But if someone doesn't mind disclosing how much they paid it would be helpful.

Metalmaster's prices vary even on eBay. Sometimes he'll have the same item posted twice with one offered at a discount. Note that if you buy from him off eBay, basic shipping is free (if you're in no rush).

330mate's Tanaka knives almost always come with plastic ferrules; it's a few bucks extra if you want horn. Metalmaster's Tanaka knives almost always come with horn ferrule by default.

This is a great forum. Lots of useful help and im sure i will make my decision very soon. If anyone else does have any other suggestions/opinions or whatever on Tanaka knives or others please chime in.

FWIW, I just received a 240mm in both the Ginsanko and Blue. I am a novice at home cook, but so far like both. The blue is definitely fit and finished nicer, but that may be because I opted for the ebony handle upgrade, not sure if they pick the nicer finished blanks when they put on the nicer handle? But, it is much better.

Carbon in the top shot, ginsanko in the 2nd shot(sorry about the bad quality shots, it is from my Galaxy Note)

how much was handle upgrade? which do you prefer more right now ginsanko or blue?

I recently ordered two Tanaka knives, one from Metal Master the other from 303. Both took about 10 days to land on the west coast. I've sent emails and questions to both sellers, metal master replies within 1-2 days, 303 took like a week to reply. Confirmed what others have said, the 303 knife had the plastic ferrule. But even with the buffalo ferrule the ho handles on these tanakas pale in comparison to my yusukes.